Walking for 30 minutes or more on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing. In Cornwall, we’re lucky to have lots of wonderful walks right on our doorstep, from scenic coastal paths to wild moorland and wooded valleys.
Whatever your age or fitness level, you can find a walk to suit. And one of the best things about walking is that it’s free!
The National Trust has put together a range of walks in some of the most beautiful places all over the country, ranging from one mile long to whole day hikes. You can search on their website by area and see what’s close to you, then download and print the information. All their featured walks include full directions and information, including where to park and what facilities are available at the start/end of the walk.
Walk4Life (part of the Change4Life movement) has been set up to encourage families to get active. If you’re planning your next holiday, you can search for walks in Cornwall, or places in your home area. You can also add your own walks to the website and share them with others, and set fitness goals and track your progress.
There are hundreds of walks to choose from across the country, so why not take a look and see what’s out there?
Our favourite walks
1. Polkerris, Dodman Point and Menabilly
From Polkerris, there’s a lovely circular walk which takes in part of the coast path around Dodman Point and Menabilly (approx 6 miles). Park in Polkerris and follow the trail.
2. The Hall Walk: Bodinnick, Polruan and Fowey
It’s not hard to see why Daphne du Maurier was so inspired by this part of Cornwall – every twist and turn reveals another breathtaking view (approx. 6 miles).
3. Pentewan Valley Trail
A lovely, relaxing walk for families with young children or a walk with the dog. The trail runs along the bed of an old narrow gauge railway from St Austell to Pentewan, so it’s mostly flat. The trail takes you through beautiful woodland and along the river down to the harbour at Pentewan. To get to the start of the trail, turn left out of our drive, first left through Polgooth village to the junction of the B3273. Turn right and then first left, signposted Mount Caravans, where you can park your car and pick up the trail (approx. 2 ½ miles).
4.Woodland walk at Trelissick (near Truro).
Park in the National Trust car park then follow the signs for the woodland walk. Enjoy fantastic views of the River Fal on this circular walk which is popular with dog-walkers and their owners alike (1-4 miles, depending on the route).
If you’ve discovered any ‘must do’ walks in Cornwall, please share them with us.
PS: Plans for the second Fal River Autumn Walking Festival are already underway (end Oct/beginning November), so if you’re a keen walker this is one to check out.
